Friday, November 8, 2013

Debbie Tails #2P - Learning Calm Greetings

 Working on my calm greeting exercise at the Foster Dog Alliance
Jen!  A new person! That means I get to greet and jump and go wild.  Click. Oh, now I remember I'm at my Foster Dog Alliance class.  For weeks now Sarah Stoycos has been teaching me a new way of greeting people....a calm way of greeting people.  The click I just heard was a signal that I'm doing good.  As part of positive reinforcement training, I get a "click" followed by a treat for my choosing to stay calm.  Although I was on the brink of jumping up, I was actually still laying down and in position so that earned me a click-treat.  A perfectly timed click-treat can not only reward me, but can also help me stay focused.  

I'm now a pro at this exercise with the main trainer Sarah Stoycos.  It seemed impossible at first as I used to be so jumpy but expert  Sarah knew that if I could lay down and hold it together while she was far away that little by little I'd be able to maintain that same level of self control closer up.

Starting at 20-30 feet away, when trainer Sarah saw I was laying down, she'd very very slowly start approaching me, pausing to stop from time to time and never looking directly at me as she knew eye contact was prone to excite me.  She would often side step or walk backwards to me which was less likely to rev me up.  Every time I looked at her but didn't bolt, I'd get a click and treat.  In the event that I'd get too excited and lunge and jump up, my foster mom would use a cue such as "touch", "with me", or "let's go", followed by "lay down", to lure me to my starting point.  Sarah said it was important not to yank me, but rather to let me use my brain.  If I did bolt, Sarah would move out of range and turn her back to me, thus not giving me the satisfaction of jumping on her.

It became obvious how close Sarah could get to me before I'd have trouble holding it together. At that point, instead of continuing to slowly, ever so slowly, move toward me, she'd casually stand in place and look away from me.  Her body language was calm which helped me. Sometimes almost 5 minutes would pass between the time she started and when she ventured into the "zone".  She knew the advantages of taking it slow.

We learned that the hard work came when Sarah was on the boundary of "the zone" (a little over 3 feet from me).  I'd get a click-treat for continuing to lay down, remaining calm.  Sarah would watch my body language and wait until my body was less tense and my breathing wasn't as rapid before taking a mini side step towards me.  At the beginning, it was not uncommon for me to spring up three separate times (with me being recalled and re-positioned before each new try).  Still, this gave feedback.

Once I settled in, conditioned to what was expected of me, Sarah was able to fully approach me from the side, come down on the floor to my level, and gently stroke me.   Success! I got to the point where I'd see Sarah across the room and instinctively lay down!!

Now I see Jen.  I just got a click-treat for continuing to lay down and for remaining calm.  Jen's doing a great job.  She's approaching from the side, avoiding direct eye contact with me.   I try to stay calm but I just can't help it.  I spring up and try to jump on her.  She expertly takes a step away from me.  My foster mom instinctively recalls me with the cue "touch" (boy, by now I've given my foster mom lots of practice at this).  Once we are all re-positioned  Jen takes a mini step towards me, I get a click-treat and then I signal I'm ready for a greeting.  I roll on my side and lift my back leg.  That's my sign that I'm ready for a belly rub!  Yeah!  Success!  And that belly rub sure felt good for both Jen and myself.

It took a lot of repetition with this exercise, and a lot of willing greeters, such as Jen.  But it worked!  And this how I learned calm greetings!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Debbie Tails #5T - GEICO Paws-For-A-Life

A lot of love was put into the raffle baskets
Today I attended an event in Chevy Chase, MD called GEICO Paws-For-A-Life and I was completely surrounded by love!  Not only did wonderful GEICO employees come out to support dog/pet fundraising efforts but loving rescue group staff and volunteers were there too! The event was incredibly well organized!  Lots of space for us dogs to move around, and look at those wonderful silent auction items.  I'd want the one directly in front of me with the comfy dog bed.  Such generous donations!

There were two "dog mobiles", one from the Washington Human Society and the other from the Animal Rescue League (WARL).  Those were the only 2 organizations that brought along cats.  Cats just don't have a nice thick warm coat like me so that's the only way they could keep warm.  So many people commented on my super soft wonderful-to-touch fur.

Boy do I wish Sarah Stoycos from the Foster Dog Alliance was there to see me!! I had my best day of greetings EVER!  While I have been having great greetings lately (thanks to Sarah's months of training teaching me to lay down and let the people come to me - this avoids me jumping), today I didn't at all feel stressed or anxious in between greetings or with lengthy greetings.  And I did my best ever with lots of dogs around! Of course with me being Debbie I did indeed have a couple big WOOFs accompanied by my amazing vertical jump but overall I was much more relaxed and composed with other dogs fairly close by than ever before! When I'd get all excited, as my foster mom would say "turn" or "with me", I'd listen the first time, be redirected away, and then regain my composure almost instantly.  It did indeed help having lots of grassy space around.

Some of the organizations were the Montgomery County Humane Society, Mutt Love Rescue, Lizzy's Lodge, the Washington Animal Rescue League, the Washington Humane Society, and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.  I especially bonded with Animal Welfare staff Joanna and Charnita.  I was impressed that Charnita instantly recognized me as a Dutch Shepherd!


The Washington Humane Society portable "Adopt Me!" mobile
Usually it's best to avoid hoovering over top of a strange dog however
the slow moving and loving crowd kept me feeling confident.

I got to be the center of attention!  Later he looked for a GEICO
employee named Debbie to pose with me, Debbie!

It was a day of my best greetings ever!

Mutt Love Rescue volunteer has plenty of love to go around.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Debbie Tails #4T - My Trip to the Beach!


Cape Henlopen, Delaware
 Last Sunday we drove from Germantown, MD to Cape Henlopen, Delaware.  The day trip was, in part, a reward for my hard work and successful training.  I've worked hard on greetings, manners in the car, loose leash walking, and listening.

From Germantown, I settled in for a long drive.  As we drove over the Bay Bridge, the windows were put down a bit for me to smell the fresh air and great smells.  Soon we were at Cape Henlopen State Park and then....sandy paws!

I'm people-centric so it's no surprise that at first I walked towards the people.  Then to my delight, I bounced and ran happily as I frolicked with the sea gulls overhead.  I climbed on the breaker rocks, watched the fishermen, romped in the sand, and pounced in the surf.  

The dog beach, called Herring Point, will forever be known to us as "T-Bone Beach".  Numerous times I was redirected from a T-Bone Steak bone that was left over from someone's dinner.  I just couldn't resist and grabbed the bone.  At first I listened when I heard "drop!" and dropped a piece of the bone but in the end the "stakes" weren't high enough and the bone was devoured.

Such a beautiful place!  Such a wonderful day!


My first few moments on the beach
Feeling Good!

Exploring the breaker rocks
Watching the fishermen and 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Chasing my shadow!
I could barely keep my eyes open on the way home.




Saturday, October 19, 2013

Debbie Tails - #3T - Humans! Don't Touch the Wildlife

Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD
One of my favorite places in Germantown is Gunner's Lake on Wisteria Drive.  Last week was wonderful weather and as we approached the lake we could see a beautiful fog seeming to hoover over the lake.  Usually we come on the weekends when it's crowded...early on a weekday morning it was calm, peaceful and beautiful.  We like running here because the asphalt path is spacious enough for the both of us.  Also, the path is smooth and clear (little to no uneven surfaces/cracks). Near the back of the lake there's one wooden bridge part that we always check first to make sure it's clear for us to sprint across but other than that even if the path is congested we can pass on the grassy portion along the path.  The distance around the lake is a little over a mile.  No cooling off in the water here (watch out - the water is actually very deep) but my foster mom sets out a big water bowl for me and I can take a drink after each lap.

As we were running along the back part of the lake (near the picnic tables), a lady approached us and said "I
know you're busy but could you help?"  I relaxed and looked around while the two ladies talked.  Then I heard my foster mom say "I don't think we're the best to help you.  Debbie can be reactive with squirrels".  I looked up and there was a young squirrel on the lady's shoulder!  Made the lady look like a tree.  But she's not a tree and squirrels aren't supposed to be walking around the lake with people.  What was this lady doing?  She showed us pictures she had taken, including one of the squirrel at the base of her leg.  If she had maintained a respectful boundary the situation wouldn't have resulted.   

She went onto say "Maybe I should take him to Petsmat" so they can take care of him.  Lady!  He's not a pet!  I thought about a place in Rockville that takes care of injured wildlife (if you can remember the name of it please post a comment) but other than looking scared, he didn't seem injured.  Despite the fact she thought he fell out of a nest, he seemed old enough to be taking care of himself.  I'm adoptable through the MCHS Shelter in Rockville and while I was there for a month (before I entered foster care) I saw rabbits, chickens and even heard about a pig there one time.  But the shelter is so over crowded and simply not meant for hijacked squirrels.  I suggested that she return him to the area of Gunner's Lake where she found him.  It seemed she had been walking with him for so long she couldn't even remember.  As we continued with our run, I was frustrated to see her continuing to walk with the squirrel on her shoulder...in the opposite direction from where she found him.

Humans!  Please don't touch the wildlife!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Summary of September 2013 Facebook Posts

When my foster mom got home today I got to go for a victory lap around the block because I was such a big help training for the running portion. She finished in 1 hour 36 minutes....40 minutes before her expected completion time. September 29, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=211558765685644&id=128686753972846
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Nice morning of exercise now I'm settling in for snuggle mode. My foster mom's triathlon is tomorrow and the plan today is feet up and relaxed.  September 28, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=210958575745663&id=128686753972846
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I want to be a Luna Chix.  I think I'd make a great "spokesdog" and motivator! September 21, 2013

I didn't get to go to the triathlon prep session today but my foster mom brought back lots of great smells.
A special "bark-out" to team member Toby who not only provided awesome tips and advice and kept my foster mom safe but who also shared lots of great German Shepherd stories.

LUNA Chix Local Team brings together women interested in learning new sports, staying active, and encouraging others to do the same.  teamlunachix.com  https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=208880925953428&id=128686753972846I ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm a Maserati: September 21, 2013
I'm a Maserati!

I was recently told I'm the Maserati of dogs. I'm a joy to behold....a masterpiece! I've got the drive and the smarts. With my vertical jumps you can see my power yet my 10+ commands offer great handling. Look at my elegance and distinctive markings. A Maserati for "everyday enjoyment"..."for life's gran tour". I can make long journeys truly pleasurable. I'm not for everybody. I need plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy. I'm smooth running and have sporty performance. No need to desire all my features (I've learned to jog next to a bicycle but if you're not up for that I'm content to walk by your side). I'm a delight to touch. My interior offers warmth and companionship all year round.

Dimensions
Length: 36"
Width: 10"
Height: 24"
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=208587755982745&id=128686753972846
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Not once! Not twice! September 20, 2013
Wonderful run at Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD

Not once! Not twice! But four times on yesterday's run when dog walkers saw me jogging with my foster mom they walked their dogs away from the paved path to sniff or wait while we passed. So nice being given space! — at Gunner's Lake.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=208580209316833&set=a.128709960637192.24678.128686753972846&type=1
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Great dog work going on right here in Gaithersburg! September 17, 2013

NIST Nose a hit when they smell it:  A new generation of odor releasing materials for training dogs. 
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=207231069451747&id=128686753972846 
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Triathlon workout yesterday was: 15 minute run + 2 minutes fast + 2 minute jog + 15 minute run. I especially loved the sprint!

My foster mom says that thanks to me she's now a much better runner! 

September 17, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=207230712785116&id=128686753972846
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Let's hear it for dogs that protect their families!  September 13, 2013
Dog Alerts Parents to Abusive Babysitter
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I got interviewed! Here's an article published about "moi!" on Generation Wag's website.  September 11, 2013
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Yeah Nemo! He's my friend from MCHS Adoption Events, Foster Dog Alliance Training Classes, and we did a fun Nose Work class together. Nemo! I'm so happy you got adopted!  September 10, 2013.
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Input please!  September 9, 2012

Which is a cuter title for my new blog to tell the inside scoop on my adventures as a foster dog?

Debbie Tales or Debbie Tails
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Thanks for your votes! The winner is tails! (wag wag wag) - September 11, 2013

Have fun reading my blog at
http://adoptabledebbiedog.blogspot.com/

The title is Debbie Tails - The Inside Scoop on a Foster Dog's Journey to Find a Forever Home.
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Debbie Tails #1P - Sit Sit Sit. September 11, 2013

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Sneak Peek of My First Blog Entry: September 11, 2013
Check out my Sneak Peek of my blog. The full blog can be found at: http://adoptabledebbiedog.blogspot.com/
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Zoom Room - Introductory Visit.  September 11, 2013I Love This Place!



I was given a Groupon for 3 private gym sessions at the Zoom Room in Rockville, MD!!

There's a lot of things to check out here! They specialize in Agility Training and have other things like puppy classes, indoor play area, and opportunities for both shy and rambunctious dogs. I gotta tell my rescue dog friends about this place!

Meet Steve. He did a great job giving me a chance to get comfortable and check out the place. He didn't even get mad at me when I stole and devoured a beef jerky chew from the "goodies" section! They use positive reinforcement methods here...a MUST for me
The Zoom Room's goal to "fill the world with happy, tired dogs enjoying an exceptional quality of life as loving companion" is met! I had a blast but am wiped out!  
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CANCELLED! September 9, 2013

The City of Rockville's Doggie Dip Day, scheduled for next weekend, was cancelled due to the spread of dog influenza in Montgomery County.

My friend Harley, a Lab Great Dane mix, was recently diagnosed with the doggie flu. His first symptom was a slight cough. Other signs are a runny nose and fever.
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I was given a gift of a Groupon! Tomorrow I'm headed to the Zoom Room! September 7, 2013
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Tomorrow I'll be at the Burtonsville Petsmart Adoption event from 12:30-3:00pm. Come meet me! September 7, 2013 
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Heading to Sugarloaf Mountain for a hike!  September 7, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.203408623167325.1073741842.128686753972846&type=1
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I'm loving my job of triathlon trainer! Got to run around this beautiful lake two times tonight! 
September 5, 2013
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Great class at the Foster Dog Alliance today! September 5, 2013
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Generation Wags promoted me on their FB page! I feel so special.

On the behalf of all rescue dogs, THANKS Generation Wags for all you do!
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Driving to the Good Life Farm in Darnestown, MD has been one of my favorite rituals - September 2, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.200561250118729.1073741841.128686753972846&type=1 
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I updated my profile picture - September 2, 2013
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Happy Labor Day everybody! This is how I spent my morning. September 2, 2013
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Confident! My first jog alongside the bike was a success! September 1, 2013

There was one close call though. I smelled something tantalizing and flung myself onto the grass to roll and romp. I love being a dog!
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I'm gonna wake up early tomorrow.  The training plan is for a full 30 minute run and I know my foster mom will have a tough time without me.  September 1, 2013.
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One of the things my foster mom likes about fostering is learning about different breeds.  Catahoula Leopard Dog, Canaan Dog, Chow Chow, Australian Cattle dog...those are some of the breeds that my family has fostered. September 4, 2013.
The MCHS shelter now has a Karelian Bear Dog mix!  Check out this Animal Planet video about this interesting breed.  The Karelian Bear Dog is a rare breed that is considered to be closely related to wolves. Originally bred to hunt bears, these dogs are incredibly active and full of energy:
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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Debbie Tails #2T - Blogging with Germantown Patch

Hanging out at an Adoption Event at PetSmart in Germantown, MD
Today I started blogging with Germantown Patch: http://germantown.patch.com/groups/adoptable-debbie-dog/p/introducing-adoptable-debbie-dog

Hi.  My name is Debbie and I'm a sweet, friendly, playful dog who's adoptable through the Montgomery County Humane  Society.  I'm no new comer to Germantown....I've lived here since the end of last year.  Before I was turned over to the shelter I think I even grew up here as my former vet was in Germantown.  Seems during the first part of my life I got insufficient exercise and socialization and no obedience training.   Germantown has been a great place for me to learn and grow and practice what I've been learning in my training classes.  You'll often see me at Germantown Petsmart Adoption Events.  Or perhaps you've seen me out and about as part of my socialization training.  I'm secretly hoping someone in Germantown will adopt me!  So please spread that word that Adoptable Debbie Dog is ADOPTABLE!

Here's my bio.

My name is Debbie and I'm a 1 1/2 year old (as of July 2013).  I'm a 65 pound black/brindle Labrador Retriever/German Shepherd mix.  I've got personality....I've got spark....I've got bark!  But don't worry about my bark.  Me barking but not excessively is one of the many things that I've learned through my training classes.  I've learned lots of other things too.  For example I'm now fully housebroken, I've learned to chew my toys, cow hooves, stuffed kongs, and nylabones instead of objects around the house (although I confess I still like to steal a shoe or two to snuggle up with), I'm capable of free roam in the house but am crate trained, I know all my basic obedience commands and I'm learning lots of cool tricks too!

I get a lot of inquiries about whether I'm good off leash.  While I'm all for fun, what I need the most is an involved owner who can continue to guide me though my doggie teenager years with love and positive consistency, keeping me safe...and giving me lots of affection!  I love back scratches and belly rubs.  And I love riding in the car and curling up by your feet too!  I'm a great walking, hiking, and running partner, and I'll do just fine if you have an 8 hour work day.

As you can see in the video, I've worked hard on greeting people without jumping on them.  This is something I will need to continue to work on (because of my jumpiness I am recommended for kids 9 and older) .  Similarly, I love playing with other dogs yet as I continue to learn and mature I'll need an owner who will give me supervision with other dogs....some little dogs growl or snap at me....other older dogs show sign's of "I don't want to play with you".

Feel free to visit my other posts in Gaithersburg Patch and Rockville Patch.  As part of my training I've done lots of cool things, visited lots of fun places, and met lots of people in the area.  For cute pictures and videos, information on my progress based on clicker and positive training, my favorite toys and chews, and recipes for homemade doggie treats,  or to ADOPT ME!, look for me on Facebook: Adoptable-Debbie-Dog, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adoptable-Debbie-Dog/128686753972846.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Debbie Tails #1T - Maserati

I'm a Maserati! I was recently told I'm the Maserati of dogs.  I'm a joy to behold....a masterpiece!  I've got the drive and the smarts.  With my vertical jumps you can see my power yet my 10+ commands offer great handling.  Look at my elegance and distinctive markings. A Maserati for "everyday enjoyment"..."for life's gran tour".  I can make long journeys truly pleasurable.   I'm not for everybody.  I need plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy. I'm smooth running and have sporty performance.  No need to desire all my features (I've learned to jog next to a bicycle but if you're not up for that I'm content to walk by your side). I'm a delight to touch.  My interior offers warmth and companionship all year round.


Dimensions
Length: 36"
Width: 10"
Height: 24"

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Debbie Tails #1P - Sit Sit Sit



Debbie Tails - The Inside Scoop on a Foster Dog's Journey to Find a Forever Home

When I heard the news of an adoption visit I got so excited!  Maybe this was the one!  At the beginning of the visit we headed out for a walk.  Great idea!  My brindle markings were looking beautiful in the sunshine, I was sniffing, walking, and feeling relaxed.  Not long into the walk, as I was sniffing, I felt pressure pulling up on my neck.  I felt like I was being choked.  I had trouble breathing.  It hurt.  The next thing I know my butt was being pushed down to the ground.  Talk about uncomfortable! I heard some noise but didn't understand.  I was confused. I heard my foster mom say "please don't push on her. We never use force.  Not only does Debbie already know how to sit, but she's learned to sit hearing it said just one time.  In addition she knows a hand signal.  Let's just walk for now and when we get back home, away from distractions, Debbie can show you some of  her commands and tricks". 

Oh! Now I get it!  That lady was trying to get me to sit and the noise I heard was sitSitSITSITSIT.  I just don't understand humans sometimes.  Why would a potential adopter do that to me?  As my foster mom said, I already know how to sit. I've gotten really good at sitting when asked.  I'd much prefer that we walk together and get to know each other a bit first.  But please don't hurt me.  I weigh 65 pounds and that's a lot of weight to push to the ground.   I can say that on a walk, if you unexpectedly want me to sit it's helpful for me you say my name first to get my attention and to ask before my nose is super engaged on the ground. 

My initial paperwork from the Montgomery County Humane Society said "Debbie can sit but not for long".  Clicker training has been a great way to get me sitting for longer and longer.  Now I can sit and stay for 5 minutes.  And at the front door I sit until I hear the word "release".  I like how at my Foster Dog Alliance training classes they start small and then gradually build.  First I learn in a quiet environment and then after lots of practice I work on duration, distance, and eventually with distractions.  Makes it easier for me to learn.  And it never hurts.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Debbie Tails #3 - Making It Out Alive

This is Nem.  At the shelter he was put on "the list"  Luckily  he made it out alive.

Debbie Tails - The Inside Scoop on a Foster Dog's Journey to Find a Forever Home

Not all dogs make it...not all dogs make it out alive. I don't know the details...I don't want to know. But I know it's true because of my friend Nem. I first met Nem at a MHCS Adoption Event held at Unleashed by Petco in Montgomery Village (Gaithersburg), MD. He was living in the shelter back then. It was his day of freedom. Someone came up with the wonderful idea to have shelter dogs come to adoption events. What a great idea! Get them outta the shelter for a day, give them a chance at finding an adoptive home, and give them a day of warmth, play, and love.

Through adoption events, classes at the Foster Dog Alliance, and a fun Nose Work class we did together I got to know Nem....I got to hear his story. He's a Pitbull mix. Handsome and super sweet. But at the shelter, he got put on the list. “The List”.

As luck would have it, Nem's life was saved. A shelter volunteer named Mel came to his rescue.  Mel knew what a super great dog he was, became a foster, and got Nem outta there! Yeah Mel! Yeah Nem! Mel gave him lots of love...played fetch...took him for lots of walks....lots of car rides. And more importantly, took time for training. Nem has since been adopted!!! For him, it was a happy ending. Not all shelter dogs are like Nem...not all shelter dogs can say they made it out alive.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Debbie Tails #2 - Rocky Times

Looks a bit like me but this is former foster dog Rocky and his Valentine's Day toy
Debbie Tails - The Inside Scoop on a Foster Dog's Journey to Find a Forever Home

Rocky and I both have one thing in common. We were both raised as pups by families who then gave us up when we were 8 months old. 8 months, I was told, is not an uncommon age for cute pups to be
relinquished to the shelter. Guess a lot of that cuteness has worn off. As we've grown more energetic and larger. The fact that we've received no obedience training, socialization, nor the proper amount of exercise doesn't help. “Don't have time”. That's the reason. An additional reason for me was “the kids don't help”.

I'm a smart girl! And I bet Rocky was too. A little bit of training could have gone a long way. In a Pet Finder article about relinquished pets, it was report that most dogs (96%) had not received any obedience training.

One difference between Rocky and I is that he was my family's first foster dog and I'm (currently) the last...I'm their 9th foster dog.  Uncle Don called Rocky a rebound hound. My foster family started fostering when their current dog Sasha, a Doberdor (part Doberman, part Lab) was getting pretty old. Rocky was a wild one! But he was gentle with Sasha. He'd lay down close to her and was a good companion. And he helped ease the pain of Sasha's passing. Sure is hard to lose a loved one. Amazing how dogs can comfort and soothe and help humans through Rocky times.
 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Debbie Tails #1 - I Had Her At Hello

Doing time at the MCHS in Rockville, MD

Debbie Tails - The Inside Scoop on a Foster Dog's Journey to Find a Forever Home


When my foster mom first visited the MCHS Shelter in Rockville, MD, I had her at hello. Amidst all the chaotic action and noisy barking, as she approached my cage there was nothing but silence. As our eyes connected and I gave her my most loving smile, I sat and leaned, pressing my fur against the fence, hoping she could pet me. She talked to me in such a nice voice and as I slid from a seated position to laying down, I lifted my back leg in hopes of getting a belly rub. It was tough for me being in the shelter, away from the warm touch of human hands. That day, my foster mom made a promise to me. She said “I'm gonna get you out of here. And I promise to do my best to find you the best home ever”.

This picture is my foster mom's first view of me on the MCHS web site. Certainly this black and white photo is only a partial view of the real me. My foster mom's a smart woman. She knows that a dog's behavior in the shelter is not fully indicative of their true personality. Being in the shelter can be scary. Therefore some dogs act more scared and timid. On the other hand, some calm dogs may be more excitable and seemingly more hyper.

My foster mom came to the shelter wanting to help a more challenging dog. Boy did she get what she wished for! Back then I was to busy jumping and barging in and out of situations around the house to pay attention. But now I know that promise she made “to do her best to find me the best home ever” was a driving force. She could have taken the easy path, but that promise motivated her to continually work on my training. I'm happy to report that time, patience, and consistent positive reinforcement training got me to where I am today. I'm a great dog and a joy to be around! I'm still my sweet, belly rub lovin' self, but I've learned more things than I ever though possible. My foster mom did her part... teaching me what I needed to learn to position myself to find the best home ever. Now I'm waiting for the best home ever to come find and adopt me.

What motto's or mantra's have you used to help yourself or a pet through rocky times?

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Debbie Tails - sneak preview


Debbie Tails - The Inside Scoop on a Foster's Dog's Journey to Find a Forever Home

I'm having a great summer but my teenager had a tough time.  Even though she worked hard last year and got a "B" in Algebra, there was a technicality with her being a middle schooler taking a high school level class and she has to retake Algebra during summer school.  Horrible for her but great for me!  For 3 weeks I got to enjoy morning and afternoon car rides!  I love the car!  And I love going places with my foster family.  

While I've always loved riding in the car, I used to be reactive whenever I'd see someone at a bus stop, or a stranger walking down the street.  Back then it was cold out and people would wear heavy, bulky coats and dark hats.  Woof Woof!  I'd give my biggest bark.  At the Foster Dog Alliance, trainer Sarah Stoycos told my foster mom how she could use clicker training to reward me for being calm.  They said that to help teach me not to be so reactive she'd need to catch me before I got barky.  She was instructed that if I barked to ignore. I know....hard to ignore a dog barking loudly in your ear but when I got reinforced for good behavior that gave me positive reinforcement to want to do that behavior again.  And over time, my bad behaviors faded away.

While in the car in a parking lot, starting with strangers very far away, my foster mom would click and give me a treat if I stayed calm.  As the strangers approached (but were still very far away she'd click-treat).   Didn't take me long to get the hang of it and soon I was able to cruise through our neighborhood without any headaches.  As we worked with people closer to the car, to let me know what was coming and to give me a sense of familiarity with the situation my foster mom would say "neighbor".  This did indeed help me! Helped me figure out what to expect.  I became a much better passenger! 

Took a bit more practice for my behavioral change to fully take effect but all 

that practice came in handy this summer when we were in the high school parking lot.  Lots of activity and tons of teenagers everywhere, walking in all directions around the car.  I'd watch intently yet remain calm.  I had my opportunity to be my calmest when we were back  home and my teenager was sitting at the table working on her homework.  Guess who was there to lay quietly by her feet!  My teenager loves this so much that she says "Makes me feel amazing that my dog is there supporting me doing my work.  it gives me a boost and makes me feel I can do this!

p.s.  I am happy to report she got an "A"!!!!